Now that you have sorted through the acceptance letters,
weighed the pros and cons of each college, and decided where you want to go,
you might think that everything is set until you move to college in August.
While you should definitely take time to savor your accomplishments and to
enjoy your summer, there are also some steps you should take to help you
prepare for your transition to college. A little planning and preparation now
can go a long way towards helping you prepare for your first semester as a
college student.
Housing: The
traditional dorm might seem like the obvious place to live during your first
year in college. However, be certain to take some time to explore the different
housing options that might be open to you (even as a freshman). These housing
alternatives range from rooming with people who share your academic interests,
such as floors or houses dedicated to the study of a particular language, to
housing cooperatives, where the inhabitants share cooking and other household
duties. Some schools like
Dickinson College
offer special-interest housing, with interest programs that include houses
dedicated to the Romance languages and sustainable living. Within larger
colleges, these housing options can give you a stronger sense of community
while also enriching the academic experience. The
University of Michigan's Residential College (RC) is an
interdisciplinary liberal arts program within the College of Literature,
Science and Arts. Students live and learn in the same physical space that also
includes professors' offices, art studios, exhibit spaces and academic
resources. The RC gives student the opportunity to immerse themselves in a
small liberal arts college within the context of a large research university.
An increasing
popular option on college campuses is substance-free housing. Some schools,
including
Brown University,
Boston College,
and
Hampshire College,
offer substance-free housing, which prohibits use of alcohol, drugs, and
cigarettes. While some colleges ask students who elect this option to take a
pledge to remain substance free, most only ask that they refrain from using
substances in the dorm. To get one student's reflections on her substance-free
housing experience at Boston College, check out
this article at
CollegeBound.com.
Orientation and Pre-Orientation: Students should plan to attend orientation
where they typically meet with an advisor, register for classes and meet their
future classmates. A number of
colleges offer pre-orientation programs that include off-campus community building
activities to help new students get a better sense of their new community and
establish ties with one another.
Bucknell University
offers three different types of pre-orientation events including, BuckWild, an
off-campus wilderness experience where students hike on the Appalachian
Trail, rock-climb, and explore caves.
David, a current student at Bucknell, attended a pre-orientation gathering in
his hometown that allowed him to get to know other students without the stress
that sometimes comes with the transition to college. "It's always nice to be able to say 'Hi' to
someone with a familiar face during the first few weeks of classes, when you
don't really know many people."
We highly recommend
that students take advantage of the pre-orientation trips. Many students report
that the classmates they met on their pre-orientation trip remained their
closest friends during their undergraduate years. Those who don't participate
wish they had when they observe fellow freshmen like David who have already
connected with classmates.
Counseling: Students who have regularly seen a therapist during high school or
who are feeling anxious for any reason should make an appointment with the
counseling center either during orientation or the first week of school. You
may never need to call upon a counselor during your first semester; however, if
you find yourself needing support for any reason, you will already have made a
contact. The counseling center can also refer you to resources in the community
if you need services beyond the scope of their offerings.
Disability Services: Students who received accommodations or
services during high school for a learning issue, AD/HD or other reasons will
be pleased to discover that support in colleges in generally more comprehensive
than that offered in high school. Many colleges offer a range of easy-to-access
technological offerings such as digital texts, speech-to-text recognition
systems to assist with writing, and many other helpful tools, There are also
professionals and peer tutors who can assist not only with academic subjects,
but also with course selection, time management and planning. One of the
biggest mistakes that students with disabilities make when arriving at college
is not registering for services and accommodations. While it is possible that a
student may need to access services less frequently over time, it is important
to have support in place for first semester.
The SALT program at
University of Arizona and
The Disability Resource Center at Northeastern
University are
two examples of strong support programs.
Another difference
is that in college virtually everyone on campus has access to academic support
whether they have a disability or not. There are writing centers and tutoring
for everyone on campus. Therefore, students who felt stigmatized in high school
for attending a learning center or other support center will find that in
college getting help is the norm for most students.
More Tips:
-
What to
Bring: Know what you need to bring with you to college. Some sites, like
College Board
and The Dormitory,
have suggested items, but also check your school's website for specific
information.
- Preparing
to Move In: If you are moving to a college that is far away, don't feel
like you have to try and bring all of your dorm supplies, such as sheets and a
comforter, with you. Some colleges offer linen delivery and rentals. You can
also buy a lot of your large items at the local Target or Bed, Bath, &
Beyond. Just be advised that all stores in the area will be very busy the
weekend of college move-in. It is a good idea to check with your college to see
if you can order online and have supplies delivered to your dorm coinciding
with your arrival on campus.
- Health/ Medical: Be certain that you
get a physical and that all of your immunizations are up-to-date. Later this
summer, we will feature an article dedicated to health and wellness in college.
You worked hard for the last two years of high school to
find a college that is an ideal match. Now you can take a few extra steps this
summer to ensure a positive transition for next fall. Take advantage of the events and opportunities that your new
college is offering between now and your arrival on campus. Good luck!